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Penryn College

Curriculum

We want to develop young people who are ready to make a positive contribution to their community. We want them to be polite, compassionate, considerate, and care for those around them. Our students will have the skills and confidence to communicate well and to organise themselves effectively. They will work independently, as part of a team, and be able to lead others. We want our students to read fluently, write, and be numerate.

Our students will have a depth of knowledge in a broad range of subjects and study skills. They will know how to keep themselves happy, healthy, and safe. They need to be able to play their part in a modern democracy, to accept a range of different views, and to use their power to challenge the things that are not right in an appropriate way.

We want their experience in school to be fun, engaging and inspiring. They need to leave us knowing there are even better times ahead, and confident that this is just the start.

As staff and Governors we want to enjoy what we are doing, to be able to focus on the most important aspects of our roles, and to know we are making a difference. We want to work in an environment where professional expectations of ourselves are high, but the support is even higher. We want parents, carers and the community to see their young people shine in whatever field they choose.     

Aims

We regard the curriculum as a whole that is delivered through timetabled lessons, extra-curricular activities and all of the informal interactions between students, staff and the community. 

The aim is to:

  • Give students the social, emotional and cultural skills to make a positive contribution to the communities they live in;
  • Give students a solid foundation in the basic skills of literacy and numeracy;
  • Develop a breadth of knowledge and skills across a range of subjects, that lead to the right qualifications and experiences for that individual student;
  • Develop a passion, develop their talents and develop a curiosity and enthusiasm for the world around them.

Our curriculum structure for each subject is very transparent, with each student having an ‘overview sheet’ which outlines the curriculum for the year. At the start of each unit, a student has a ‘unit overview sheet’. At the end of the unit, students have a ‘reflection sheet’ which gives the progress towards the objectives and an assessment score. This progress and the results are available on the Virtual School in real time. All curriculum overviews are available here on the website.

We are also passionate about our curriculum outside of the classroom. We have a significant Study Support programme which involves 80% of students and has a broad offer, from Performance Sport to Gardening Club. We also run a huge range of trips to many countries, including Spain, Italy, Germany and France. This is supported by a strong Careers and IAG programme, that is still committed to a full Work Experience Week for all Year 10 students.

Curriculum-Gallery (ID 1098)

  • STEAM

    STEAM

    The STEAM curriculum develops students’ mathematical, scientific, mechanical, computing, artistic skills. Our projects allow students to demonstrate accuracy and precision using state of the art computing suites, workshops and laboratories. The STEAM curriculum builds core knowledge and skills in computing, graphic design, design technology and engineering. All students will leave with a clear understanding of the career pathways from STEAM through our close links with industry partners and extension enrichment offer

  • Creative Arts

    Creative Arts

    Our Creative Arts Curriculum encourages creativity and collaboration. We create an environment where students can thrive across Music, Drama, Media, Dance, Art, Textiles and Photography. The faculty develops teamwork, self-expression, curiosity and encourages exploration across a diverse range of disciplines. Students develop confidence, independence and communication skills for life beyond the classroom. Through hands-on experiences and exposure to both contemporary and historical practices, pupils are inspired by dynamic starting points and real-world practitioners

  • Personal Development

    Personal Development

    Our timetable allows us to develop and strengthen the delivery of our personal development curriculum with a dedicated time each day for students in their timetable. We have strong character development programmes through LifeSkills, Careers, SMSC, and Extra-Curricular provision. In Period 4 we read together and follow our Learn to Learn programme to develop understanding and strategies to help us grow as learners. We develop confidence in Finding our Voice alongside having weekly aspirational assemblies.

  • English

    English

    Students explore a wide range of voices—from local to global, past to present—to build empathy and understanding. Our engaging curriculum encourages deep thinking, debate and independence through reading and writing. Creativity is at the heart of helping students reach their full potential and find their voice.

  • MFL - French & Spanish

    MFL - French & Spanish

    It is through language we truly travel outside ourselves and our curriculum is the language itself, built meaningfully over time. MFL lessons focus on the seven skills needed to become an expert in language learning: speaking, listening, reading, writing, memorisation, translation and grammar. Our aim to build student confidence and resilience with a particular focus on phonics and developing their confidence in taking risks with their speaking. We want to them to become creative risk-takers who feel confident in class and in the wider world. We aim to plant the seed of language that can grow into fluency in later life.

  • Humanities

    Humanities

    Humanities encompasses RE, History and Geography in which they explore human culture, values, beliefs and the physical world around them. Students will discover the importance of considering many different perspectives including their own, and appreciate how points of view and opinions change depending on where you live and over time. Learners develop empathy, and become respectful of different beliefs and customs. Students will learn how to use and question a range of evidence, form an argument and justify with subject specific examples.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics

    Our Maths lessons are designed so students experience success creating confident learners who are able to problem solve. Students develop a deep understanding of mathematical knowledge and skills. At its heart lies a strong foundation of numeracy, from which all topics are developed, to help students build on prior learning and move towards mastery.

  • Science

    Science

    In Science, we are committed to fostering a passion for science and developing curious students who are confident in making evidence-based decisions for themselves. We encourage students to challenge and question the world around them using the scientific methods, theories and concepts. Students build reliable knowledge through experimentation and rigorous analysis.

  • Able

    Able

    Our Penryn Aspire programme begins with quality-first teaching in every classroom, encouraging deeper thinking across all units of work. Students benefit from enrichment opportunities such as Medics Academy, academic trips to Oxford and Cambridge, and the Penryn Futures programme focused on Post-16 and further education pathways. Our elite Performance Sport Programme supports excellence in athletic development alongside academic growth. Period 4 sessions also broaden students' oracy, critical thinking and global awareness through engagement with worldwide topics.

  • SEND

    SEND

    Penryn College are committed to removing barriers to learning so that every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We work with students, parents and external agencies collectively to ensure that all students attending Penryn College are able to consistently attend school, while feeling safe and supported. Our vision is that every learner makes personal progress, with equal opportunities to all aspects of College life. Through collaboration, tailored support, and a culture of high expectations, we empower students to reach their full potential and celebrate their unique strengths.